Bell's Midrange Game

[stlorange]

Anyone else notice Bell's drives into the lane and pull-up jumpers? I think he did it twice and made both shots. Nice variety to his game. Slow progress but progress nonetheless.

 

[W'boro'Cuse315]

I’m still in awe over his putback slam. We hadn't previously seen him do anything near that athletic & aggressive in his young career. Loved it.

 

[Wrinkle]

It looks so awkward that I legitimately question if it hasn't just been luck. He did have something of a midrange jumper last year though

 

[23Zone]

You could tell even he was surprised his runners went in. He looked stunned. As was I. On the other hand, his two airballs on were something special.

 

[jdubs30]

If Red shrinks the rotation or if Benny comes back, I think Bell will lose the most PT. To me it’s clear that Taylor is the much better player right now

 

[Scott11]

Anyone else notice Bell's drives into the lane and pull-up jumpers? I think he did it twice and made both shots. Nice variety to his game. Slow progress but progress nonetheless.

If he goes to the basket like last night, that will also help his three-point shooting because guys will not overplay him for the three-point shot like they have his entire career. He should have a little bit more room to shoot, which will help given his lower and somewhat slow release.

 

[Cusefan0307]

I think Bell is the first to lose time with Benny’s return. I just don’t see much improvement.

 

[pearl31]

I think Bell is the first to lose time with Benny’s return. I just don’t see much improvement.

Agree, but you gotta admit he (mostly) played well last night, I think it was a good sign

 

[Cusefan0307]

Agree, but you gotta admit he (mostly) played well last night, I think it was a good sign

I won't pile on, but 2 rebounds in 26 minutes from a starting forward isn't getting it done.

 

[Orangezoo]

I won't pile on, but 2 rebounds in 26 minutes from a starting forward isn't getting it done.

That's the thing. Naheem was a one man wrecking crew on defense and Bell sat and watched the ball go back to Canisius after blocks until they finally converted. He has zero instincts for rebounding on the defensive end.

If it was in Taylor's zone he attacked it. This is why Benny, if he is focused, could have himself a rebound meal playing next to McLeod and help the team a lot. Benny next to Taylor with JJ at the point and Judah off the ball can be a solid s5

 

[Fly Rodder]

Agree, but you gotta admit he (mostly) played well last night, I think it was a good sign

If the Bell that made that putback slam showed up more, he'd be a crowd favorite inside of two games.

 

[UpstateSM]

If you watch him on defense he tends to hesitate slightly before he weakside helps like he is trying to pin a shot off the backboard instead of getting to his spot in time like he should. He does things that look good on a mixtape.

I really don't understand any argument for him playing more minutes than or starting over JT. It didn't make much sense to me last season and one of them looks like the same player this year and the other looks like he made real improvement. And he was already a better and more complete basketball player.

Bell has a role but it is coming off the bench and firing up threes. If he is hitting he plays 20+, if he isn't he plays 10-15. But I just post about basketball on a silly website.

 

[DoctahLexus]

That's the thing. Naheem was a one man wrecking crew on defense and Bell sat and watched the ball go back to Canisius after blocks until they finally converted. He has zero instincts for rebounding on the defensive end.

If it was in Taylor's zone he attacked it. This is why Benny, if he is focused, could have himself a rebound meal playing next to McLeod and help the team a lot. Benny next to Taylor with JJ at the point and Judah off the ball can be a solid s5

Not how it went down on that play. McCloud got the first block and Bell mistakenly thought he secured the ball so he started to go down the court to push transition. Got back in position when he saw they recovered the ball and helps contest the second shot. McClouds second block he is there, but the ball is immediately sent right into the hands of a Canisius player who instantly goes right back up with it. Bell or anyone on the team could not have done more there. 1 minute mark of the below video. A mistake to go the other way before he knew McCloud had the ball on the first one, but this aint sitting and watching:

 

[Orangezoo]

Not how it went down on that play. McCloud got the first block and Bell mistakenly thought he secured the ball so he started to go down the court to push transition. Got back in position when he saw they recovered the ball and helps contest the second shot. McClouds second block he is there, but the ball is immediately sent right into the hands of a Canisius player who instantly goes right back up with it. Bell or anyone on the team could not have done more there. 1 minute mark of the below video. A mistake to go the other way before he knew McCloud had the ball on the first one, but this aint sitting and watching:

He likes to try and get up court too soon when he has rebounding responsibilities. I watched the game a second time. Granted your description is fair on this highlight but that also wasn't one of the plays that stuck out either. I'll try and find the two and grab video of it.

 

[orangepassion]

He has some talent, but it drives me crazy when he chucks contested 3's. Would love to see him diversify his game some more. An occasional pass would be fun, too.

 

[Cuse_NYC]

If Red shrinks the rotation or if Benny comes back, I think Bell will lose the most PT. To me it’s clear that Taylor is the much better player right now

Completely agree. I don’t think Bell makes us better on either end. And Taylor is now just as good of a shooter.